The Paper Lantern.

Ever since we watched Tangled, Will and Lily have been obsessed with paper lanterns. And when I say "Will and Lily," I actually mean "Dustin and Stephanie." In the movie, the entire kingdom releases about 9000 paper lanterns into the air. Even though it is just a cartoon, it still is very breathtaking. It really is. I am actually not being sarcastic for once.

Dustin thought making and releasing our own paper lanterns into the atmosphere would be a good family night activity. Upon investigation, we learned that paper lantern making is nearly as complicated as building a nuclear reactor. If I recall, I think part of the instructions required one to obtain a rare glue that is only found deep within the rain forests of South America. OK, maybe it wasn't that dramatic. But it still required materials we either #1 didn't already have #2 didn't know where to obtain or #3 didn't know what they were. So when Caleb came home with a paper lantern from the fireworks store, we were pretty relieved because #1 we didn't have to comb the earth for rare precious materials to make a paper lantern that was destined to end up as ashes and #2 we realized that Caleb does pay attention to what we talk about sometimes.

Since the allure of actually making paper lanterns went up in flames (pun TOTALLY intended), Dustin thought it would be interesting for everyone to write either a prayer or praise on the store-bought lantern. We would then send it up to heaven. Kids prayers are the best. They can be hilarious. Like when Will prays that he will one day have The Force. (You know, the Star Wars "force".) And they can be also be so very sweet and sincere. Like when Will prays for those who don't have Jesus in their hearts. On the night of the paper lantern, the kids took the sincere route. Since I can't seem to put the camera down, Dustin wrote on the lantern whatever Will and Lily dictated to him.

I was pleased with Caleb because he actually took this activity seriously. He sometimes isn't too thrilled with family night activities. (I mean what 13 year old wouldn't LOVE to spend a night playing Candy Land with the family?!?)

Once we finished the writing part, we headed outside to release our prayers to God.

(Sidenote: My camera doesn't do well in low light situations. So I had many issues taking all of these photos. I had to manipulate this next picture in order to make it more visable. I kinda like the funkiness (I probably made that word up) of it. Guess I need to upgrade if I really want to capture these family memories from now on...hint hint Dustin)

I think Will was awestruck.

Once Dustin and Caleb were able to get the lantern lit, they released it into the night sky. It peacefully floated upward while we watched it in silence. I thought it looked so graceful. As it drifted higher and higher, I thought about how small we are really are in this world. And despite that, each of our prayers would still be heard. That thought gave me goosebumps!

We watched the lantern until we could no longer see it. The night was so tranquil that it was hard to go back inside. The kids had all sorts of questions about their prayers and that lantern. Lily kept asking if it made it up to heaven yet. I tried to explain that even before we wrote down our prayers that Jesus already knew them. She really didn't understand. I hope we didn't confuse her too much by literally sending prayers to heaven. I suppose I may have to explain it better in the weeks, months, maybe even years to come. But for now, I think we made an impression on them. Weeks after this event, Lily asked me if Jesus got our lantern. She is still thinking about it.

It is so amazing to see the wheels turning in their heads when we do things like this. Now as I look back at this night, I thank God for entrusting Dustin and I with these three souls. This is an amazing journey. It turned out to be a memorable family night on so many levels.

The Warrior Dash.

Dustin has a thing for legs. Turkey legs. I am not sure where his obsession comes from. All I know is that he will go out of his way to track down a turkey leg. When we went to Disney World years ago, turkey legs were a hot topic of conversation. He couldn't stop talking about them. Frankly, his fixation on the turkey leg has only grown stronger.

So when Dustin informed me he was going to enter a race consisting of barbed wire, fire, and viking helmets, my only question was: are they serving turkey legs? Sure enough, turkey legs would be there. Well, then so would we. Last weekend we headed to Crawfordsville for a little taste of Dustin's world. A day filled with torturous obstacles, mud, and pure mayhem is right up his alley.

**Sidenote: We stayed in a hotel the night before the race. About a week leading up to arrival at this fine establishment, Dustin warned me that this hotel might not meet my expectations. Despite the stale smoke scent and the blood stained carpet, the room provided nice lodging for the night. I couldn't help but wonder if we were staying in the very room that inspired Michael Jackson to pen Smooth Criminal. (I don't think it was really blood, I don't think...)**

Okay, back to race day. Dustin managed to rope a friend into joining him on this adventure. I was designated as photographer, water holder, and holder of anything else they did not want to get ruined. (This job earned me a trip to Pottery Barn later that day so it was worth every water bottle I lugged around. Pottery Barn, I love you.)


Here is how the day went...




Gearing up...

Warming up....

Freaky mustached up...

I don't know this guy. But you need to see him.

I was trying to get a shot of the guy in the neon green leotard. It was fantastic! But apparently that other guy waving at the camera wanted in the picture more. So here you go, guy waving at the camera...

And they are off!

Unfortunately, the entire course isn't spectator friendly. I wasn't able to witness all of the obstacles. Instead of just standing around, I took a few pictures of my favorite costume of the day (at least I hope that was a costume).

Probably the reason this guy was my favorite is because he was all by himself. He didn't need moral support to wear this.

After about 30 minutes of taking pictures of a complete stranger, (Don't be alarmed. I didn't really follow that guy around for 30 minutes. Maybe only 10 minutes...20 minutes at the very most...) Dustin and Tye finally came into view...

I followed them to the final obstacle...

They made it out alive!

It was a good day. The weather was great, people watching was at its prime, and Dustin was able to unleash his inner warrior.

And yes, he even got a turkey leg.

Reid

My brother and his family came up from Alabama for a visit a couple of weeks ago. Good times ensued. One of those times was when my sister-in-law asked me to take senior pictures of my nephew, Reid. Of course I said yes! And to sweeten the deal even more, I didn't have to edit any of them! Apparently, a photographer friend of hers likes to edit pics. I didn't know people like this existed! So the deal was that I take them and she edits them. I haven't seen her edited pics yet, but I am insanely curious to see what she does with them. On most days, editing pics isn't my forte. Don't get me wrong. I still edit. I just find it to be a daunting task at times. On the rare occassion, I actually find editing relaxing. This is a very rare occasion. VERY.

What I do love is taking senior pictures. So we hopped in the car and traveled the metropolis of Nappanee looking for good spots. Another nephew and niece tagged along for moral support and ended up being a big help to me. (Thanks Jake and Hope!)

Reid was a good sport. It was only about 175 degrees that day so it was a comfortable, pleasant photo session. He claimed he could handle the heat since he is a Southerner. Between you and me, I think he was as hot as the rest of us. We went to a couple of different spots and I snapped away in my own little world. I suggested some great options for his photos. Things like riding in a buggy, tilling the earth on an Amish farm, posing with a stuffed Elmo. Believe it or not, he shot them all down! So we stuck with simple poses and straightforward shots.

I did edit some of the pics just to satisfy my own curiosity. I am drawn to the more non-traditional photos. That is what I chose to edit, for the most part.

So here is Reid, my very oldest and southernmost nephew. He is a good guy. I think you will like him.



FAVORITE!

Freaky children of the corn pose:

He went blind after this shot. But it was worth it because it is super cool!

I did edit some traditional poses, as well. Just because. (Note to Reid: notice the vertical orientation? It's just for you...)

Other Favorite!

I truly hope he didn't feel this was a complete waste of time. I mean, what 17 year old wouldn't love hanging out with his aunt for an afternoon? Well, I guess if nothing else, this experience can be blogging material for him later in life.

What Was I Thinking?

1996. I did lots of stupid things this year. I also did a lot of stupid things years 1985-1995 and 1997-current. I just want to focus on one stupid-driven moment this blogging round. (Believe me, there are many more things I can and will share as I feel the need to humilate myself on the world wide web.) Today, I will discuss my senior pictures.

These are stowed away in a compartment in my brain that I like to call the what was I thinking file. Really. There are no words to describe them. I despise them with almost every fiber of my being. I mean I posed with Elmo in a few. I really did. What was I thinking?

You can look at many people's senior photos and pretty much pinpoint the decade in which they graduated. I thoroughly enjoy the over-the-shoulder-gaze-up-to-the-ceiling pose of the 50s. I am a sucker for a pose-on-the-giant-fan-back-ratan/wicker-chair of the 80s. The casual lean on the fake fence or the wagon wheel is also a favorite of mine. Perhaps my pictures capture the 90s. I am not really sure. I guess if the 90s signify complete and utter confusion, then yes, my pictures captured that state of mind beautifully.

I have to tell you though, I have yet to find the charm of the "lay on the ground and hold onto this stuffed Elmo" pose or the "prop your leg up on this 7 foot ladder and look casual" pose. Neither of these really captured my personality. I mean I have no issues with Elmo or ladders. It's just not something that I look back on and say "Yes. I remember being really into ladders during my high school years. I am so glad I took a picture with a ladder." Basically, I look back on these and just ask "why?"

The one thing my senior pictures do convey is my bemusement with life in general. I can look at these pictures and think "Man. I was a seriously confused teenager." Although they are embarrassing, I still find them mildly amusing. Mildly. They are still semi-painful to look at. I thought I had it all together back then and I didn't. I am guessing here, but I think it might be accurate to say that I think I understand myself now and years from now I will realize I didn't. Lesson learned. Thank you senior portrait Steph for sending that message to present day Steph.

And now for your enjoyment...

And no, I do not want to submit this to awkward family photos, just in case you were wondering. Sadly, I cannot locate a photo of the ladder picture. I will take that as a sign that the world isn't ready for it quite yet. So here is a final senior picture that I find horrifying. Actually, it is a picture of a picture. I don't think I need to explain any further. Once you see it, no words will be needed.

Let's just say it one more time. WHAT WAS I THINKING? I think I am going to retake my senior pictures...at age 32.

The list.

My little Lily turned 4 today. She is positive she woke up taller and I assured her that she did. I wish they would stay little forever. I tell my kids to stop growing up all the time. They think that is really funny but I am being totally serious. Even though I outwardly refuse to accept the fact they are growing up, I really know they are. My goal is to instill this list into their very beings without them even knowing it. (insert evil laughter here) Anyway, onto the list!

1. Pray.
2. Be nice to everyone.
3. Be honest.
4. Be humble.
5. Show respect.
6. Listen.
7. Laugh.
8. Be thoughtful.
9. Become.
10. Be on time.
11. Value yourself.
12. Value others.
13. Floss.
14. Read.
13. Lead.
14. Listen to your instincts.
15. Be genuine.
16. Don't give up.
17. You are beautiful.
18. You are smart.
19. You are priceless.
20. I love you more than you will ever know.

OH! and Happy Birthday, Lily!

A pixie-dust spreader on the Tilt-O-Whirl.

I am intrigued by the carnie life. Or is it carny? Either way, I am seriously curious. I want to know what their lives are like. Do they travel all over the country, all year long? How did they get started in that business? Do they have friends or spouses outside of the carnival realm? Well, that last question I sorta have insight on...

A couple of years ago, Dustin and I watched as Will and Lily rode the motorcycle ride. (I assume these were same exact motorcycles he and I both rode on 25 years ago.) They only made a few revolutions before a little girl on the ride started crying. She cried for awhile before the woman operating the ride stopped it. We searched the crowd of parents who were watching their kids, waiting for her mom or dad to emerge and take her off. Instead, the ride operator yelled to the little girl while motioning to the neighboring ride: "Jennifer you better quit yer cryin' or I'll get yer daddy." The carnie from this neighboring ride chimed in: "Knock it off over there, Jennifer!" That's right. These two carnies were raising their little Jennifer at the fair. As I think about it now, that makes me sad. At the time, however, it was kinda comical. I can't lie.

There are so many reality shows on tv. Why hasn't one been made about the carnival workers? I have learned about gypsy brides, families with 32 kids, and pawn shops more than I ever care to know. A show about carnival workers is where it's at.


And to commemorate this year's fine Elkhart County 4H Fair, I present some pictures for the looking. (Check out my nifty new photography watermark thingy, too! I feel so professional!)



Lily made a beeline to the only girly car available...

Dustin got roped into riding the carousel. This is always entertaining since he doesn't do circles very well.

I really love this one.

Will cruised around in the bumper boats...

...while Lily rode the swings. The swings were a huge hit with our kids this year. And with other kids, as well. Note the random kid behind her.

I got roped into this round of carousel riding. Little did I know that I don't do circles very well either.

These are the motorcycles! Wonder if Jennifer was riding this year?

The fair. What's not to love?